$315,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwest Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $315,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwest Illinois, including $75,000 to the Illinois Conservation Foundation for expenses associated with the 2000 Bass Quest Tournament.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Frank C. Watson, R-Greenville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to extend a water line. The university is contributing $47,406.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Evelyn M. Bowles, D-Edwardsville.

• $50,000 to the City of Salem to renovate the Salem Theatre Building. The city and the theatre are contributing $20,580.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kurt M. Granberg, D-Carlyle.

• $40,000 to the Mulberry Grove Fire Protection District to upgrade its vehicles and equipment.
  This project was initiated by Granberg.

• $30,000 to the Fayette County Fair Association to make renovations to the 4-H complex.
  This project was initiated by Granberg.

• $25,000 to the Huey Ferrin Boulder Fire Protection District to purchase fire and safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by Granberg.

• $20,000 to the Roxana Police Department to purchase a mobile data system.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Steve Davis, D-Bethalto.

• $10,000 to the Rosewood Heights Fire Protection District to purchase five self contained breathing apparatus units and five spare air bottles.
  This project was initiated by Davis.

• $10,000 to the Bunker Hill Fire Protection District to purchase and equip a small truck for the Dorsey Volunteer Fire Department.
  This project was initiated by Watson.

• $5,000 to the American Red Cross, Centralia Chapter to purchase equipment and materials.
  This project was initiated by Granberg.